Against the Wind (1978)

Back in 1978 I was fortunately enough to get a chance to see the mini-series "Against the Wind." Not only was I enthralled by this mini-series, but it incredibly educational. It was all about an English penal colony primarily for Irish thieves, many of them petty, and malcontents, and how these convicts became the founders of a new country, Australia.Over the years I have often looked for it on DVD without luck. I just discovered it that is now available, so I went on Netflix to rent it. Unfortunately, they currently don't carry it, and they told me that the only way they might is if they get enough requests. So, if you've ever seen it and wish to view it again, or if you've never seen it and want to see an incredible historical drama, I hope you will go to Netflix and request it.

All choked up. Just took delivery of the new DVD 4-set I vaguely remember parts of this series as a kid at the age of 8-10, I think. The opening sequence has stayed with me in one way or an other for the past 25+ years.. Yet, Freedom! yet thy banner, torn, but flying, streams like the thunderstorm against the wind... with the classic windswept western Irish landscrape as a backdrop to the Byron quote, fantastic stuff. Stuff you just don't see these days. The production was broadcast in Ireland a couple of years after it was made in Aus, but it feels like it was made for the Irish.I've just watched the 13 episodes and its just a delight to see a 70's TV drama today, one that never achieved any 'cult' status. While watching LOST at the same time the simplicity of the ATW narrative is disarming. It's so refereshing to see material that hasn't been over-produced and yet imparts such a realistic sense of time and place. No steadycams here.I just love the actors in ATW, esp. Jon English - pure rock and roll, but parts played by Cpt Greville, Cpt. Wiltshire and Will Price all put in great performances. No offence to Mary, Polly and Dinnie .. its just that the stage Ourish accents are a problem for us Irish.But where did all this great talent end up- esp. Frederick Parslow, he's quite Hollywood, as is Warwick Sims.. both seem to have moved out of TV/film acting since the late 80's - pity.Great to have seen the full series again and not to have been (bitterly) disappointed..Highly recommended.C.

I remember this from my youth as a great series. The story starts in Ireland and moves quickly to Australia. set in 1798 it tells about Mary Mulvane and Jonathan Garrett, both convicts shipped off to the Penal Colony of New South Wales under the oppression of the English Military. Though a love story it mixes in incidents based on history such as the convict uprising at Castle Hill (Sydney). The series was very popular at the time. The 13 episodes were produced in 1978 at Old Sydney Town, N.S.W. and Geelong, Victoria. The soundtrack album by Jon English and Mario Millo is very memorable.by the way, latest information is that it will come on DVD 3rd Jul 2006. many online DVD stores are already taking orders.

I still remember it after a passage of more than 20 years. I had wondered why I never saw it again - a question that was answered by another person commenting on it. Well, it is really too bad, because it was an enthralling look at the early settlement of Australia. I was particularly amazed at how small a misdeed or misunderstanding could send an Irish man or woman off to Australia. Once in the land down under, the chances for ever returning home were pretty much nil, even after time was served for the offense. People simply made the best of it and worked hard to live in an environment - both physical and social - that was often difficult. I hope the barriers to a DVD recording are dealt with so that many more people can view this worthwhile mini series, and I can see it again, as well. Memorable characters and a fascinating plot - a good reason to make the effort to put it on DVD.